How to Clean Your PC for Better Performance [Infographic]

June 4, 2016

8:14 pm

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We use our PCs far more than any of us might like to admit, but in today’s technology-driven age, our computers are a necessary evil. Whether we use them for work, at home, or a combination of both, there’s no denying we are constantly logged on and plugged in. For everything we want to accomplish in a day, a slow PC simply won’t cut it.

Thanks to the constant stream of downloads, image files, Word documents, and other miscellaneous data, our computer’s storage fills up fairly quickly. Fortunately, if your system is running slower than usual, there are quick ways to improve its performance and get things back up to speed.

Not sure of the last time you performed a PC cleanup? It’s probably safe to say you’re well past due. An internal cleaning of your computer on a regular basis can make a huge difference. It helps to keep it well-maintained and prevents things from going kaput at the most inopportune time.

Cleaning your PC can be performed in three simple steps: update, uninstall, and delete. Rather than clicking away reminders, set a time once a week to be proactive about the performance of your PC.

Update Often

Or, as often as you’re prompted. Just like with your car, a PC needs maintenance, too, if you expect it to run properly. Sure, you can ignore the alerts for when something needs attention, but it’s not recommended and definitely shouldn’t be neglected for long.

Regular cleanup of your computer now will prevent a problematic or crashed system down the road. To minimize disruption, schedule updates to be performed near the end of the day, when you’re done for the day and ready to shut down your computer.

Uninstall What’s Unnecessary

Between all the PDF downloads, image files, and versions of Word documents passed back and forth on a daily basis, your storage space is diminishing by the minute. Don’t clog valuable space with old files you no longer need or plug-ins and software no longer being used.

Keep everything up-to-date and relevant to your current usage needs. Uninstalling unused files is an easy way to purge your PC of “junk” and will contribute to better speed and performance overall. Alternatively, the one thing you want to

make sure is installed on your computer is an anti-virus program. Don’t get hit by malware or spam that can take over your computer and quickly change it from being slow-moving to non-functioning.

Defrag and Delete

Your PC should run through a hard drive defragmentation automatically, but it doesn’t hurt to manually consolidate your files from time to time. This will allow files to take up less space and enable better efficiency for your system.

Also, take time to clear your cache, cookies, and search history on a regular basis to help your PC run faster. Don’t be afraid to delete what is no longer needed rather than letting it become stagnant on your computer collecting dust and slowing down your speed.
It’s a fast-paced world we’re living in now. Digitally-speaking, we seem to run on a second-by-second basis, meaning any time our systems lag, we’re left frustrated and trying to keep up. By following these simple steps to keep your PC up-to-date, you’ll preserve it as the high-functioning tool you need it be for improved effectiveness and greater performance. For more tips check out the infographic below:

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This article was contributed by Chris Beck who is a Content Producer/contributor and also a well published freelance writer in the insurance and tech space. Originally from Asheville, NC and a University of South Carolina Alum. I am also an avid Gamecock sports follower… I have a family of four including a twin brother, 6 if you include our Fox Hound and German Shepard.